Monday, March 30, 2009

MS Walk 2009 (click here!)

Our family is getting ready to do the MS Walk 2009 in Reston, VA on April 26th. We walk in honor of my cousin Debbie who was diagnosed with MS several years ago...and need your help! If you are interested in donating and/or walking with us...please click on the blog title to be taken to our team web site. Thank you in advance, and check back at the end of April for a photo of this year's team and our results!
The team in 2008...a little soggy so half of the team was already in the bar by the time we took the photo! My sister Regan, cousin Tessa, cousin Debbie, my mom, Regan's husband Ryan, me, Chris with Keira and Liam in the stroller.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Family Update

Last weekend we went downtown to the St. Patrick's Day parade. I know, it was AFTER St. Patrick's Day....but the parade was rained out on the 14th and moved to the 21st. It was the first parade the kids have seen, and both had a good time. They especially loved the music and all of the dogs! And I can't believe how many Irish Step Dancing schools are in the area...there must have been at least four participating in the parade! Maybe in a few more years Keira can take a class (and she and cousin Tessa can put on a family show).

Sunday night Chris and I went to the Canes/Caps hockey game. It was nice to have a night out without the kids, and an even better night because the Canes won! We had a great time tailgating with the Patenaudes (and friends) before the game...and I'm secretly hoping that the Canes/Caps will be 3 and 6 in the final standings so they'll meet each other in the playoffs.
Most of you have probably heard my recent job news...but just in case not, I wanted to update everyone. I was laid off on March 11th, but they gave me 30 days notice, so my last day with Nielsen will be April 10th. I am going to take my time finding something else, and in the meantime am looking forward to being home with the kids. I have a lot of SAHM friends here, and there are a ton of things to do in the Raleigh area. I am thankful we moved to Raleigh, as it gives us the flexibility we wouldn't have had in NOVA. Stay tuned to the blog for more family adventures!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Wishing all of our friends and family a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. Cheers!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Vacation! (click here for more photos on Snapfish)

Last week we went on vacation with the Shimpach Family to Ft Myers Beach, FL. We rented a house about a block from the beach and all had a fabulous time. It was cool our first few days, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the beach or the heated pool (it was just a little cold when we got out!). Luckily we had some great weather to finish out the week.
We decided to drive down there (about 12 hours each way)...and were surprised the kids did great. (although if I have to listen to the Cars movie one more time, I think I'll scream!) On the way back home, we stopped at my mom's house and spent some time with her, Nana and Russell to break up the trip.

Our families got along great, and decided we'll try to make it an annual event. Keira and Ava are 2 days apart in age, and Jenna is 9 months old....so with four kids under 3 in the house...there was never a dull moment! Keira and Ava are great swimmers and really enjoyed the pool. And all of the kids had fun playing in the sand. The week flew by, and we hope to see Dirk, Emily, Ava and Jenna again soon. I wish we lived closer to them!

First Dentist Appointment

We took Keira and Liam to the dentist for the first time Feb 26th. They both did great! The dentist only works on kids, so the entire staff made it a great experience for the entire family. Keira let them brush her teeth and poke around without any trouble at all. She earned quite a few "tickets" throughout the exam and cashed them in for some bubbles before we left. Liam wasn't as cooperative as Keira, but they did manage to brush his teeth and verify there was no damage to his teeth with his fall last month. He earned a few "tickets" as well, and picked out some crayons when he was done. Let's see if they are both as good in 6 months when they have to go back!